Library And Information Assistant - Central Library

We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, is accepting of all and is free from discrimination and bias.

Coventry City Council’s Library and Information Service is a public facing service operating for the benefit of local communities and the wider city.   

Providing services from the central Library and 16 local libraries (3 of which are community led) Coventry libraries provide a unique 'cradle-to-grave' service bringing individuals and communities together.   

Public libraries acquire, organise and provide access to a range of information and reading resources to meet the diverse needs of a community.  We actively support independent learning and encourage reader development, also providing information on areas such as:

Local and national government services, 
Learning opportunities,  
Leisure activities, and  
Local community news and events  

We also play an important role in providing access to computers and the internet for those who are digitally excluded.   
The Library Service works in partnership with local, regional and national organisations to provide a full and wide-ranging service offer.  Partners include: 

Arts Council England 
BBC  
Department for Culture, Media and Sport 
Libraries Connected  
Public Health England, and  
Reading Agency 

Libraries are uniquely placed to change lives for the better. They are busy and vibrant open spaces, not only providing access to books but also helping people to help themselves and improve their opportunities. By providing practical support and guidance, libraries play a critical role in enabling and empowering people to realise their potential, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Our ValuesIn line with our One Coventry Values we strive to have a workforce that reflects our local communities and welcome applicants from all sections of the community. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic backgrounds, applicants who have a disability and applicants who are from the LGBTQ+ community to apply for our senior leadership roles. 

Our Values are:

Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.

What is the job role?We are looking for someone to join our team as a Library and Information Assistant to support the work of Coventry Library Service, in providing a safe welcoming space for visitors to relax, read, learn, use computers, attend, and participate in events on site or online. In your role you will be ensuring a good visitor experience and will be assisting by providing information and signposting.

The main day to day duties of the role include: Answering public enquiries on a range of topics, answering queries, and assisting visitors access to Library stock in its many formats. Maintain the welcoming atmosphere of our library spaces, including keeping library spaces clean and tidy, creating eye catching displays and stock promotions. Actively promote Coventry Library Service through face to face and online interaction. Encouraging positive involvement with the Service including providing information on things to do and to take part in Children’s and Adult events and activities i.e., rhyme times and Chess club.

Fixed Term Contract for 2 Years
Who are we looking for?The ideal candidate will have: Knowledge of customer care, verbal communication skills - communicating with the public, outside organisations and other employees face to face and over the telephone.

Able to lift and carry materials/resources and able to walk and stand for length of shift periods. Experience of use of a variety of computing packages e.g., internet searches, Microsoft Word, and Excel We need someone who is able and willing to work evenings and weekends, and able to travel to all Coventry Library locations, sometimes at short notice.

If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you.

For full details on the application process please read the attached document  labelled 'Coventry City Council Application Process'

Interview date(s): 1/03/2024
About CoventryCoventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change.

We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse.

At Coventry we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things.

To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities.

If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards and benefits package - to find out more please visit https://www.coventry.gov.uk/council-vacancies